Visit Ruby Falls: Chattanooga, TN
One of the most famous Chattanooga attractions is Ruby Falls. Since we love hiking out to enjoy waterfalls in nature, we knew that we had to take the tour to see the underground waterfall below the surface of Lookout Mountain.
Hobbies on a Budget received discounts or tickets for the purpose of this post. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received.
Visit Ruby Falls: Chattanooga, TN
In 1928, Leo Lambert and a team of excavators found a breathtaking waterfall located over 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. Lambert named the falls after his wife, Ruby, and opened the area as a public attraction in 1930. Today, Ruby Falls welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Come tour the falls for yourself and see why it has been one of the best Chattanooga attractions for over 85 years.
There are several tours you can take but the most popular tour is the guided tour. This guided tour takes you out to see the magnificent 145-foot underground waterfall. On our tour, the guide pointed out various formations and shared cave facts along the way.
When you get to the waterfall you are treated to about 3-5 minutes where you can enjoy the waterfall with music and lights.
And you know we have to try for some fun pictures while we were at the waterfall!
Renewable Energy
When you climb to the top of the castle after your cave tour you will see the rooftop solar panels. I love seeing companies do their part to reduce their environmental impact.
Ruby Falls’ array of solar panels is capable of producing 16,000 watts of renewable energy, enough electricity to light over two hundred and fifty 60-watt light bulbs or to operate 16 microwave ovens at full power!
Things to Know
- The elevator tour lasts 28 seconds – yes, we counted!
- It’s only about a half mile out to the waterfall, but the tour will take about 1 hour to an 1 1/2 hours.
- Get there early so you don’t have to wait in lines.
- The elevator runs about every 8 minutes.
- Parts of the trail are a little wet, so don’t wear your best tennis shoes or slippery sandals.
- One question everyone wants to know – no, they don’t turn off the lights on the tour.
- There is an emergency exit near the elevator.
- It never hurts to pack a flashlight when you take a cave tour, just in case….
Have you visited Ruby Falls? What’s your favorite part of the tour?
Find Ruby Falls
1720 South Scenic Hwy
Chattanooga, TN
423.821.2544
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When you finish your tour, make sure you drive to the top of Lookout Mountain and enjoy the view of Chattanooga!